Since its incorporation in 1955, McDonald's Corporation has not only become the world's largest quick-service restaurant organization, but has literally changed Americans' eating habits--and increasingly the habits of non-Americans as well. On an average day, more than 46 million people eat at one of the company's more than 31,000 restaurants, which are located in 119 countries on six continents. About 9,000 of the restaurants are company owned and operated; the remainder are run either by franchisees or through joint ventures with local businesspeople. In 1954 Ray Kroc, a seller of Multimixer milkshake machines, learned that brothers Richard and Maurice (Dick and Mac) McDonald were using eight of his high-tech Multimixers in their San Bernardino, California, restaurant. His curiosity was piqued, and he went to San Bernardino to take a look at the McDonalds' restaurant.

In a small bowl, combine the water and vinegar. Whisk in cornstarch and make sure no lumps are in the mixture. Place a small saucepan over medium heat and add the cornstarch mixture, corn syrup, sugar, chili sauce, salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Stir frequently until mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, then remove from the heat. Let the sauce cool, uncovered.